By: Deuell, et al. S.B. No. 460
(Coleman)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to inclusion of instruction in the detection and education
of students with mental or emotional disorders in the requirements
for educator training programs.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 21.044, Education Code, is amended by
adding Subsections (c-1) and (c-2) to read as follows:
(c-1) Any minimum academic qualifications for a certificate
specified under Subsection (a) that require a person to possess a
bachelor's degree must also require that the person receive, as
part of the training required to obtain that certificate,
instruction in detection of students with mental or emotional
disorders.
(c-2) The instruction under Subsection (c-1) must:
(1) be developed by a panel of experts in the diagnosis
and treatment of mental or emotional disorders who are appointed by
the board; and
(2) include information on:
(A) characteristics of the most prevalent mental
or emotional disorders among children;
(B) identification of mental or emotional
disorders;
(C) effective strategies for teaching and
intervening with students with mental or emotional disorders,
including de-escalation techniques and positive behavioral
interventions and supports; and
(D) providing, in compliance with Section
38.010, notice and referral to a parent or guardian of a student
with a mental or emotional disorder so that the parent or guardian
may take appropriate action such as seeking mental health services.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2013.